BUTLER, William Orlando, American general: b. Jessamine County, Ky., 1791; d. Carrollton, Ky., 6 Aug. 1880. He was about devoting himself to the legal profession when the War of 1812 broke out. Enlisting as a private soldier in Captain Hart's company of Kentucky volunteers he gained distinction in the battles at Frcnchtown and the river Raisin. Subsequently he took a conspicuous part in the battles of Pensacola and New Orleans, was brevetted major, 23 Dec. 1814, acted as aide-de camp to General Jackson from 17 June 1816 to 31 May 1817, when he tendered his resignation, resuming for the next 25 years the profession of the law. From 1839 to 1843 he served as a representative in Congress from that district, in the interests of the Democratic party. Nom inated as a candidate for governor of Ken tucky in 1844, he was defeated by the influence of Clay. Created major-general, 29 June 1846,
he led with great spirit the daring charge at Monterey, and although wounded on that occa sion, still remained for several months with the army. On 18 Feb. 1848 he succeeded General Scott in command of the army in Mexico. The most important operation during his tenure of this office was the defeat of Padre Jarauta and his guerrilla forces by General Lane. His military administration in Mexico was brought to a close on 29 May 1848, when he announced the ratification of the treaty of peace. After his return to the United States he was nom inated in 1848 by the Democratic party as candi date for the vice-presidency. He was the au thor of 'The Boatman's Horn and Other Poems.' Consult Blair, 'The Life and Public Service of William O. Butler> (Baltimore 1848).